King's Lynn 2 Wimbledon 1
26th November 1969
A HALFTIME pep talk by Lynn player-manager Reg Davies was one of the: turning points of Wednesday's Southern League game against Wimbledon at the Walks. For within ten minutes of the re-start Lynn had wiped out a goal deficit and taken the lead
Lynn had fallen behind through a shock goal which clearly upset their earlier composure. Mr. Davies said later: "I told them to keep an fighting and playing football."
His talk certainly proved. effective. Two minutes into the half Lindsay hit the equaliser and then Coughlin scored what was to be the winning goal.
Lynn's win was merited for their work-rate and the number of chances created but inconsistency once again almost cost a point.
It was not a question of any one player suddenly finding he could do nothing right: more a general slowness which allowed Wimbledon more room and time to control much of the late play.
Wimbledon. however. did not take the opportunity to, pull back and could only muster a few direct threats to Coe. This was surprising for they had the incentive of moving to the top of the table if they could take the points.
In the freezing conditions, Lynn started off at a hot pace and twice hit the woodwork in six minutes.
Lindsay had a shot deflected past Guy and Clarke moved in only to see his shot rebound wide off the post: then Lindsay had a header turned on to the bar by the outstretched Guy.
Guy was not looking at all safe and his uncertainty was passed on to his colleagues who let Lynn fire in a lot of accurate shots. Two, in particular, were by Dennis Coughlin who moved well in Lynn's "link-man" position.
The Wimbledon forwards moved, in sharp bursts and Kerr was well-positioned to clear a header by McLeish off the line.
But whets Wimbledon took the lead it was with a goal right out of the blue. A long. hopeful through ball was misjudged by Porter and GERRY 0'ROURKE ran on to score with Coe hardly moving front his goal.
Then came Lynn's early second half burst with Coughlin having a hand in both goals - which both followed free kicks.
The first was from Brooks' flighted cress which Coughlin headed back to LINDSAY who scored in off the post - his ninth goal in ten successive games.
In the 55th minute Wright took a short free-kick and COUGHLIN beat one defender before crashing in a 25 yard shot that hit the net before Guy had moved.
These quick goals did not,, lead to Lynn getting a firm grip on the game. It was almost the reverse. in fact, but Lynn held out to take two more welcome points.
Lynn: Coe: Kerr. Sharp: Brooks, Porter Wright: Savino, Coughlin. Lindsay. Jenkins, Clarke. Sub: Davies.
Wimbledon: Guy; Martin. Willis: Collins. Law. Davies; Coffer. McLeish, O'Rourke, McReady, Cooke. Sub: Hodges.
Attendance: 345.